User interface method for creating multimedia message of mobile communication terminal

ABSTRACT

A user interface method for creating a multimedia message of a mobile communication terminal is disclosed in which menu fields for creating a multimedia message are displayed in one screen, and when inputting content for each menu field is completed, it is automatically switched to a multimedia message-creating screen in which a selecting bar is positioned at the next field. In addition, while a user is using a multimedia function, a current image can be switched to the multimedia message-creating screen according to a user&#39;s need. Thus, the number of user&#39;s key manipulations can be reduced in creating the multimedia message, thereby enhancing a user&#39;s convenience.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to the Korean Patent Application No. 2003-93334, filed on Dec. 18, 2003, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a user interface method of a mobile communication terminal and, more particularly, to a user interface method for efficiently creating a multimedia message in a mobile communication terminal.

2. Description of the Related Art

Currently, many types of mobile communication terminals implement diverse multimedia functions such as MP3 (MPEG layer 3) reproduction, a photographic capabilities, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) functions, etc. Also, many types of terminals provide a multimedia message service (MMS) in which a short message can be transmitted together with a media file attached thereto.

The MMS is an enhanced message service that can transmit various images, melodies and voices as well as text messages.

Utilizing a user interface (UI) of an SMS (Short Message Service)-based mobile communication, the MMS of a conventional mobile communication terminal is implemented so that a user may attach contents stored in a media-holding box of the mobile communication terminal to a text message. However, a user must navigate through several menus and iterations in order to perform such a task.

In a MMS of a conventional mobile communication terminal, a message is first created by using a user interface, such as an SMS interface or a file management interface. After the message is created, a file attachment (multimedia file attachment) menu provided in a short message menu must be selected each time, which may create difficulties due to the increased number of key manipulations required by the user. Accordingly, a user's convenience in utilizing a conventional terminal is reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a system and method for transmitting data via a mobile communication terminal that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art above.

An object of the present invention is to provide a user interface method for creating a multimedia message of a mobile communication terminal in consideration of a user's convenience.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve at least the above objects in whole or in parts, there is provided a mobile communication terminal comprising a user interface for creating a multimedia message in a multimedia message-creating screen that displays a plurality of menu fields, wherein, upon completion of inputting content in a first menu field, a second menu field is automatically selected in the multimedia message-creating screen.

Also, there is provided a method for creating and sending a multimedia message in a mobile communication terminal via a user interface, the method comprising the steps of: selecting a multimedia message-creating screen from a main menu; selecting a first menu field from plurality of sequentially arranged menu fields in the message-creating screen; inputting content in the first menu field; returning to the message-creating screen upon completion of inputting content in the first menu field, wherein a second menu field among the plurality of sequentially arranged menu fields is automatically selected; and transmitting the multimedia message upon completion of creating the multimedia message.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the method may further comprise the step of previewing the multimedia message prior to transmitting the message. Also, the multimedia message-creating screen may comprise a field to input contact information of a recipient designated to receive the multimedia message; a field to input a subject of the multimedia message; a field to input text, which comprises a body of the message; and a field to attach an image.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the step of inputting content in the first menu field may comprise selecting content from at least one content file previously stored in an internal memory of the mobile communication terminal. In addition to or alternatively, content may be manually inputted or generated.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to further describe the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary view showing a menu-selecting image for creating a multimedia message in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a first exemplary view showing detailed images for inputting an address in an address field of the multimedia message of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a second exemplary view showing detailed images for inputting an address in the address field of the multimedia message of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary view showing detailed images for inputting a subject in a subject field of the multimedia message of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary view showing detailed images for inputting a text in a text field of the multimedia message of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary view showing detailed images for attaching a photo to the multimedia message of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary view showing detailed images for attaching a sound to the multimedia message of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary view showing detailed images for switching to a multimedia message-creating screen while using a camera photographing function in accordance with the an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary view showing detailed images for finally checking the created multimedia message in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary view showing detailed images for selecting a transmission rate from an option menu of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary view showing detailed images for switching to the multimedia message-creating screen while using a photo album function in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Features, elements, and aspects of the invention that are referenced by the same numerals in different figures represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to one or more embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary view showing a menu-selecting image for creating a multimedia message in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. For example, when a user selects an icon indicated by “1” from several icons included in a main menu (P11), a screen of the main menu is shifted to a menu related to photography, such as listing functions involving a camera integrated into the terminal. The menu concerning photography (P12) allows a user to select photo and multimedia message transmission. In selecting function number “3” (Send Pix Msg) in the menu (P12), various menu fields required for creating a multimedia message are displayed on a subsequent screen (P13). The list of available functions in the message transmission menu (P13) may be specific to the terminal's capability and can be customized by the user, wherein two sub-menus may also be included.

FIG. 2 is a first exemplary view showing detailed images for inputting an address in an address field of the multimedia message of FIG. 1. In a menu field screen (P21) that displays various fields required for creating the multimedia messages, a user may select a field number designating a function through, for example, one or more key manipulations or toggle a pointing device or keys that move a selecting bar, and then pressing an “OK” or “ENTER” key. Upon selecting the desired function, the menu field screen (P21) may be replaced by an input screen (P22) that corresponds to the function selected in the menu field screen (P21).

For example, when a user selects an address field (Address 1) in the menu field screen (P21), an input screen (P22) appears and allows the user to directly input contact information such as a telephone number or an e-mail address. After the user inputs the contact information and engages a continuation key, such as pressing an “OK” key, the input screen (P22) is switched to the menu field screen (P23), which is updated and includes the location to which the file is being sent (i.e., the inputted telephone number). The user may then continue to select corresponding input fields in the menu field screen (P23), such as inputting text for the message body.

Furthermore, a user may alternatively, or in addition to, opt it insert contact information from a sub-menu, wherein contact information is extracted from stored data menus such as, for example, contact, online album, recent call, or the like. As exemplified in the menu field screen (P24), contact information is to be extracted by selecting a “Contact” menu, wherein a list of contacts is stored or registered in a phone book of the mobile communication terminal (P25). For example, if the user selects the arbitrary contact “Robin” from the contact list, an information screen that lists contact information (a phone number or an e-mail address) corresponding to the contact “Robin” is displayed (P26).

If the user selects the phone number displayed in the information screen (P26), the menu field screen (P27) appears, in which the selected phone number is inputted to the address field and the selecting bar is positioned at a next field to the address field or another.

A user may alternatively select “2 Online Album” from the contact information sub-menu, wherein an online album allocated to the mobile communication terminal is inputted to the address field. The online album comprises a wireless Internet service provided through the mobile communication terminal. The online album, which can store photos or images the user desires to register for a prescribed capacity, is allocated to every mobile communication terminal.

If the user selects, for example, “3 Recent Call” from the contact information sub-menu, a list of phone numbers with which the mobile communication terminal has received and/or made calls are displayed, and when an arbitrary phone number on the list is selected, the selected phone number is inputted in the address field.

Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary view illustrates detailed images for inputting contact information such as an address in the address field of the multimedia message of FIG. 1. In the menu field screen (P31), a user selects the address field, wherein a contact information sub-menu appears (P32). Upon selecting “1 Contact”, a list of contacts is stored or registered in a phone book of the mobile communication terminal (P33) appears. Should the user select “Group” from an arbitrary contact, designated group names (P34) appear from which a list of contacts classified under each group name can be selected.

For example, if the user selects “Family,” a contact list registered for “Family” is displayed (P35). Furthermore, each contact from the aforementioned list may include a check box, wherein multiple recipients may be selected to receive the message (P36). After the user selects the recipient(s) of the multimedia message, contact information of the recipient(s) is displayed (P37). The terminal may also limit the number of contacts selected, such as “10 recipients” (P38), to which the message is sent.

In FIG. 4, a user inputs a subject in the [Subject] field of the multimedia message by selecting the [Subject] function in the menu field screen (P41), wherein a subject inputting screen is displayed (P42). In the subject-inputting screen (P42), the user inputs a subject of the multimedia message by pressing one or more keys. Furthermore, a type selection menu may be available and indicated on the inputting screen (P42) so as to not interfere with the input of text for the subject. For example, at a lower end of the subject-inputting screen, a type selection menu for selecting types of inputting characters (T9Word, Abc, 123, Symbols, etc.) is located.

After the user inputs the subject and manipulates the terminal to continue with the message transmission operation, such as pressing the “OK” key, for example, menu field screen (P43) appears. Alternatively, the user may input the subject via voice input. Preferably, the menu selection bar, which highlights the menu functions, is positioned at a next field to the subject field or another. Also, if the user does not input a subject in the subject field, generally, a portion (e.g., a first part) of the message content is preferably inputted in the text field is displayed in the subject field.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary view showing detailed images for inputting a test in a text field of the multimedia message of FIG. 1. Upon selecting the [Text] field in the menu field screen (P51), a text input screen is displayed (P52), wherein the user inputs text by, for example, key manipulation (P53), voice input, or other method of input well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Also, a type selection menu for selecting types of inputting characters (T9Word, Abc, 123, Symbols, etc.) is preferably located at a lower end of the text input screen. Furthermore, an “Options” menu is preferably provided for selecting a previously registered common phrase (Quick-Text) or for registering a common phrase. For example, if the user selects the “Options” menu, a sub-menu appears (P54). If the user selects “1 Quick-Text”' to select a common phrase, a common phrase list registered in the mobile communication terminal is displayed (P55). When the user selects and enters a common phrase, the selected common phrase is displayed in the text input screen (P56). Upon completion of inputting text, the menu field screen (P57) appears, in which the selection bar is preferably positioned at a field following the text field. If the user inputs text into the text input screen and selects “2 Save Quick-Text,” the user-inputted text is registered on the common phrase list.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary view showing detailed images for attaching a photo to the multimedia message of FIG. 1. If the user selects a [Picture File] (or graphics file) field in the menu field screen (P61), a title list of photographs (or graphics) stored in the mobile communication terminal is displayed (P62). When the user selects any one of them, the selected file or files is or are displayed (P63), wherein the user can check each image by using a direction key, for example. The user may attach desired images by manipulating the “Select” function, exemplified here as a “smart key” button on the screen. After completing the selection process, the menu field screen (P64) appears, wherein the image file to be transmitted is shown in the “Picture File” field.

The user may select one or more graphic files from a graphic file list to attach as well as photographs stored in the mobile communication terminal. Furthermore, if the photograph to be attached is not stored in the mobile communication terminal, a photograph can be generated by using the camera integrated in the mobile communication terminal and subsequently attached. Namely, when the user selects the “Take Pix” menu function in the menu field screen, the terminal initiates a photograph operation mode, so that the user can photograph an image and attach it (P65, P66, and P67).

FIG. 7 is an exemplary view showing detailed images for attaching a sound file to the multimedia message of FIG. 1. In a state where the selection bar is positioned on the [Sound] menu function in the menu field screen (P71), the user selects a “Record” key, exemplified here as a “smart-key” shown at the lower end of the screen. Consequently, the menu field screen is switched to a screen in which sound can be directly recorded (P72). The sound, which has a prescribed recording time (P73), is stored as a voice memo (P74) and is subsequently attached to the [Sound] field (P75). The recorded voice memo can be automatically stored at the same time of being attached to the multimedia message, or the user can alternatively set it so that the user is asked whether the voice memo is to be stored.

If the user seeks to attach a previously recorded voice memo or a stored sound file, without recording a sound, the user proceeds with the function by, for example, pressing the “OK” “smart-key” in the menu field screen. A screen for selecting types of sounds to be attached appears (P76). Upon selecting the type of sound to be attached to the message, a list of the sound files stored in the mobile communication terminal is displayed (P77). If the user selects “Voice Memo” in screen P76, a voice memo list stored in the mobile communication terminal is displayed (P78). The user then selects the sound file or the voice memo stored in the mobile communication terminal and manipulates the terminal, such as pressing the “OK” key, to attach the corresponding sound file to the sound field in the menu field screen (P79).

After checking whether each contents of the menu fields has been inputted properly, the user may then transmit the multimedia message created according to an embodiment of the present invention, by pressing the “Send” key, for example. Should the transmission of the multimedia message fail due to a bad communication situation or the like, the message can be re-transmitted.

Referring to FIG. 8 is an exemplary view showing detailed images for switching to a multimedia message-creating screen while using a camera photographing function in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. By selecting the camera operating function from a main menu, indicated here by “1” displayed (P81), a menu concerning the operating functions of the camera photographing appears (P82) and may include several options for a photo and a multimedia message transmission. When the user selects the camera-photographing function “1 Take Pix,” the camera photographing menu is switched to a camera-photographing mode (P83), wherein the integrated camera is operated to generate an image, which is subsequently displayed on the terminal's main screen (P84). If the user wishes to store the image in the internal memory of the terminal, manipulation of the terminal, such as by pressing the “OK” key, operates to store the image (P85). Further manipulation, such as by pressing the “OK” key again (P86), serves to switch to the multimedia menu function screen (P87), wherein the photograph image is indicated as attached.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention may further comprise the step of confirming the content that is inputted prior to returning to the menu field screen. This feature allows the user to amend the inputted content, such as text or the image attachment, prior to continuing to the next step in creating and sending a multimedia message.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary view showing detailed images for reviewing a completed multimedia message prior to transmission in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. After inputting is completed with respect to the various menu function fields, the user may select the “Options” menu, which may be conveniently located on the main screen such as at the lower end in the multimedia message-creating or menu field screen (P91). A sub-menu of the “Options” menu is displayed (P92) thereafter. If the user selects “1 Preview” among the sub-menu options, the contents of the message, such as the attached photograph and/or sound, and the text of the multimedia message are displayed (P93). Subsequently, the user may opt to transmit the message after review by terminal manipulation, such as pressing the “Send” “smart-key” (P94, P95 and P96).

Alternatively, the user may select “3 Priority” among the sub-menu options, which is exemplified in FIG. 10 as detailed images for selecting a transmission rate from an option menu of FIG. 9. Accordingly, the user is allowed to select a normal transmission or a high transmission for the multimedia message (P103). Namely, the user can select a higher transmission rate of the multimedia message in the rate-selecting screen. With respect to both FIGS. 9 and 10, further manipulation of the terminal after selecting a sub-menu option, such as by pressing the “OK” key, operates to revert to the multimedia menu function screen (P91 and P101, respectively).

FIG. 11 is an exemplary view showing detailed images for switching to the menu function screen while using a photo album function of the terminal. By selecting the camera operating function from a main menu, indicated here by “1” displayed (P111), a menu concerning the operating functions of the camera photographing appears (P112) and may include several options for a photo and a multimedia message transmission. When the user selects the “2 18 Gallery,” for example, photographs stored in the mobile communication terminal are displayed in a form of a thumbnail list (P113 and P114). The user then may select one or more images from the thumbnail list (P115). Subsequently, the user, in selecting the

“Options” menu, may opt one of various options to operate image management functions (P116), such as transmitting the image file. Accordingly, the corresponding screen is switched to the multimedia message-creating menu field screen (P117), wherein the selected photograph is shown as attached.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing description of these embodiments of the present invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Preferred embodiments were shown in the context of receiving terminals in the form of mobile communication terminals. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for processing a multimedia message in a mobile terminal, the method comprising: receiving a request for operating a first function associated with displaying one or more photographs stored in the mobile terminal; displaying a thumbnail list of the one or more photographs on a display screen; receiving a first input for selecting a thumbnail from the thumbnail list; displaying a photograph related to the selected thumbnail on the display screen in response to the first input; receiving a second input for operating a second function associated with transmitting the multimedia message with the photograph attached; displaying an execution screen for the second function in response to the second input, wherein information related to the photograph is included in the execution screen; and transmitting the multimedia message with the attached photograph to an external terminal.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein a menu icon for performing at least one of functions related to the photograph is displayed with the photograph on the display screen.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein when the menu icon is selected by a user, a list including items representing the functions related to the photograph is displayed on the display screen.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein one of the items included in the list is associated with operating the second function, and wherein the execution screen is displayed when the one of the items is selected by the user.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the menu icon is located at a bottom portion of the display screen.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the information related to the photograph is shown as attached to the execution screen.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the information related to the photograph is an image pertaining to the photograph.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the information related to the photograph is displayed as a preview image before transmitting the multimedia message.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the execution screen comprises: an address field for receiving at least one contact address; a contact menu for displaying a contact list including at least one contact; and a text field for receiving a text input.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the execution screen further comprises at least one field for attaching a file to the multimedia message.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the address field is automatically activated to receive a user input when the execution screen is displayed.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein both the information related to the photograph and an address field are simultaneously displayed on the execution screen.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein a contact menu for displaying a contact list is displayed with the information related to the photograph and the address field on the execution screen.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: displaying the contact list comprising at least one contact when the displayed contact menu is selected.
 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising: receiving an input for selecting at least one of a plurality of contact addresses via the address field.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: selecting the address field to receive at least one contact address; displaying the contact list comprising at least one contact when the displayed contact menu is selected; receiving an input for selecting a specific contact from the contact list; and displaying contact information of the selected specific contact in response to the input for selecting the specific contact.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the contact list is not displayed when the contact information of the selected specific contact is displayed.
 18. A mobile terminal comprising: an input unit configured to receive an input for operating at least a first function or a second function; and a display configured to display a display screen related to the at least first function or second function, wherein the mobile terminal is configured to: receive a request for operating the first function associated with displaying one or more photographs stored in the mobile terminal; display a thumbnail list of the one or more photographs on the display screen; receive a first input for selecting a thumbnail from the thumbnail list; display a photograph related to the selected thumbnail on the display screen in response to the first input; receive a second input for operating the second function associated with transmitting a multimedia message with the photograph attached; display an execution screen for the second function in response to the second input, wherein information related to the photograph is included in the execution screen; and transmit the multimedia message with the attached photograph to an external terminal.
 19. The mobile terminal of claim 18, wherein the mobile terminal is further configured to display a menu icon for performing at least one of functions related to the photograph with the photograph on the display screen.
 20. The mobile terminal of claim 19, wherein the mobile terminal is further configured to display a list including items representing the functions related to the photograph on the display when the menu icon is selected by a user.
 21. The mobile terminal of claim 20, wherein one of the items included in the list is associated with operating the second function, and wherein the execution screen is displayed when the one of the items is selected by the user.
 22. The mobile terminal of claim 19, wherein the menu icon is located at a bottom portion of the display screen.
 23. The mobile terminal of claim 18, wherein the information related to the photograph is shown as attached to the execution screen.
 24. The mobile terminal of claim 23, wherein the information related to the photograph is an image pertaining to the photograph.
 25. The mobile terminal of claim 18, wherein the execution screen comprises: an address field for receiving at least one contact address; a contact menu for displaying a contact list including at least one contact; and a text field for receiving a text input.
 26. The mobile terminal of claim 25, wherein the execution screen further comprises at least one field to attach a file to the multimedia message.
 27. The mobile terminal of claim 18, wherein both the information related to the photograph and an address field are simultaneously displayed on the execution screen.
 28. The mobile terminal of claim 27, wherein the mobile terminal is further configured to display a contact menu for displaying a contact list with the information related to the photograph and the address field on the execution screen. 